Review Summary: Uplifting deathcore
Sometimes a short project is all it takes to leave an impact. With the sophomore effort,
Leviathan, Central Texas deathcore/metalcore group When Forever Ends build upon the foundations of their debut record and craft a powerful Christian deathcore EP. “Arbiter” opens the project with technical guitar riffs, intricate drum grooves, and an intense variety of screams and cleans mixed within. The opener establishes the chemistry of When Forever Ends immediately, showing the vast amount of talent from each member and their ability to create a unified piece, mixing the intense deathcore stylings of the riffs and screams while also introducing atmospheric, melodic elements in the composition. “Wicked” and “Remittance” lean heavier into the deathcore elements, bringing forth dissonant riffs and chugs that pummel throughout the tracks. The latter of the tracks focuses more on the melodic elements while still implementing the slow burn pieces of deathcore to add diversity within the sound. The closer, “Leviathan/DeathWorks II,” perfectly marries the balance of melody and intensity, mixing choral and piano composition with the heavy, energetic riffs, drum grooves, and an impressive feature from Garrett Russell of Silent Planet. The lyrical content throughout
Leviathan revolves around recognizing the wickedness of sin and relying on God as a saving grace from the deceitfulness of man and sin. The opener contemplates the magnificence of God and how abundant He is contrasted by “Wicked”s calling out of deceitful men and how only God can change them from the inside. The rest of the project focuses on calling out to God for change within and to have spiritual growth in faith. When Forever Ends took the instrumental and musical elements of their debut record and improved upon them further with
Leviathan. Their newest effort is sure to make a strong impact in the Christian deathcore scene with a promising future ahead of them as they continue to develop their sound and style.
